(Dramatic recreation of this year's Christmas card - not the actual one.)

I write this with some reluctance because I don’t want it to be viewed as a criticism of how other people choose to practice their holiday communication. So just know that up front. I’m not judging you.

I just ordered my Christmas cards. Christmas cards are one of the bellwethers of my holiday mental state, which means many years they just don’t happen, and I hate that. In all honesty, I have viewed them (just like many of my holiday activities) as a way to strut my good taste, beautiful children, creativity, design skills, and all around how-does-she-do-it-all illusion.

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to how I want to do Christmas cards this year. I want to reach out to friends, family, and professional contacts. I want each of them to know what they mean to me – whether it’s my 95 year old granddaddy, my best friend from high school , or a business contact. So there will be different cards for different audiences – some may even be e-cards. I’ve ordered lovely cards with pictures of the kids for family and friends that will enjoy seeing how they’ve grown, but I will not be writing a newsletter of everyone’s accomplishments for 2011.

Instead I will just try to write a sentence or two about the recipient of the card, that I’m thinking of them, a funny memory, or something I’m looking forward to doing with them in the year to come. I want to try to make the practice of sending cards and act of honor and  appreciation for the people in my life, and less about me.

Declaring it’s not about me, seems a little ironically self-righteous, but I know the power of words. If I can give the people I love a word that affirms them, it will be the best gift, and one that comes closest to the spirit of Christmas.